The Esquire Tavern comes in as the second semifinalist from San Antonio with for Outstanding Bar Program. This is the second semifinalist nod for the bar. The first was in 2012 while under the direction of Jeret Peña. The Esquire joins Houston's Anvil Bar & Refuge as the only other semifinalist from Texas.

Finalists will be announced March 15, and winners will be announced May 1 in Chicago during the 2017 James Beard Awards Gala, often billed as the Oscars of food.